Product Review: Burris XTR 5-25x50mm

As I’ve talked about in previous product reviews for precision rifle shooting the scope is one of the most important pieces of gear as it is the visual connection between the rifle and the shooter. For newer shooters it can be difficult picking an optic and the process is typically a painful experience in compromising features compared to the higher end optics in lieu of a budget. Burris though decided to upend that convention with their XTR II line of scopes. One of the most notable, especially for long range shooting, in the XTR II line is the 5-25X-magnification model.

The 5-25 features a 5 times magnification system and a 34mm aluminum main tube. The 34mm main tube is on par with the current trend in precision scopes to increase the amount of travel available in the scope as well as to increase the scopes overall rigidity and strength. The scope features a 50mm objective bell, which is in my opinion appropriate for the overall size of the scope. At 16.31 inches in total length and weighing in at 32.1 ounces the scope is definitely designed for a standard long range rifle system as opposed to a compact rig. The ocular assembly has a fast focus eyepiece to adjust the reticle to the shooters eye easily and the magnification ring is nicely knurled. The magnification ring was a little stiff for my taste but will likely soften up with use. In addition throw levers are available for the scope if needed. The scope has a nice even matte black anodized finish that is pleasing to the eye.

The scope is available in both Mil and MOA models. The version I handled was a MIL version, which is the adjustment measurement that I prefer. When Burris first released the XTR II line the Mil based scopes featured Burris’s XT-80 turrets, which meant that the turrets had 8 Mils per revolution. When they first released this was one of the only features that concerned me with the XTR II line. With a 308 Win, a common starter cartridge, it is common to dial 10 plus Mils to reach targets at 1,000 yards. On the XT -80 turrets past 8 Mils the shooter has to add the current mil value to 8 to determine that actual setting. For example to go to 11.2 Mils requires dialing a full revolution and then stopping the turret on 3.2 Mils. While this is not terribly complicated, under stress it can become a hindrance quickly. Most scopes uses turrets with either 5 Mill or 10 Mil revolutions because they are much more intuitive figures that can quickly be scaled whiled dialing. Thankfully the XTR II 5-25 I handled has Burris’s new XT-100 turrets, which as you might have guessed uses a 10 Mil per revolution system. The XTRII line turrets also include a zero stop mechanism.

The scope has a side parallax adjustment turret, which is adjustable from 50 yards to infinity. Regardless of MOA or Mil models the 5-25X has 90 MOA of total elevation adjustment and 55 MOA in windage adjustment. The scope has a modest 3.50 – 4.25 inches of eye relief, which shouldn’t be a problem for mounting to most rifles.-- One of my favorite features of the XTR II line is the recent release of the scopes with the SCR reticle in FFP. For those unaware, Burris was purchased by Steiner optics and now many of the advancements from Steiner, a premier scope manufacture are trickling into the Burris lines. SCR stands for Steiner Competition rifle and was designed with input from competition shooters. The reticle is more traditional in style in that it isn’t a Christmas tree with lots of holdovers, but does have fine subtensions for precise holdovers and range estimation. The reticle is also illuminated on the 5-25X50 model. The illumination has 11 settings which are controlled by a rotary dial with intermediate off positions so that when your ready to turn off your illumination you don’t have to go through the hole dial.

In terms of Glass quality, it isn’t top tier glass, but that’s not what it was designed for. The glass is undeniable useful and represents a nice middle ground between very cheap scopes and the top tier stuff. Last thing to note; the XTR II’s are covered by Burris Forever Warranty, which covers the scope if it is damaged or defective, no questions asked. In addition the warranty automatically transfers to the next owner and a receipt or warranty card are not needed.

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